EUROPEAN UNION PRIZE FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE / EUROPA NOSTRA HERITAGE AWARDS 2005

 

CULTURAL HERITAGE WITHOUT BORDERS (SWEDEN)

 

For great dedication in the reconstruction of heritage in an area ravaged by war and for a sustained contribution to intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and reconciliation between various ethnic groups in the Balkans.

 

Photos: Bosnia-Herzegovina: Kursumlija Mosque, Maglaj (left); Zemaljski Museum, Sarajevo (right)

 

Category: Dedicated Service

 

Award: Medal (2005)

 

Address: Box 6204, 102 34 Stockholm

 

Telephone: + 46 8 32 20 71

 

Email: info@chwb.org

 

Website: www.chwb.org

 

Established in 1995 in reaction to the devastation wreaked on cultural heritage in Bosnia-Herzegovina by war and ethnic cleansing, the Swedish Foundation for Cultural Heritage without Borders (CHwB) was founded in the spirit of the Hague Convention (1954) which states that “damage to cultural property belonging to any people whatsoever means damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind, since each people makes its contribution to the culture of the world”.

 

The work of the organization has since spread to other parts of former Yugoslavia, including Kosovo. Its mission is to assist in the protection and conservation of cultural property in areas ravaged by armed conflict, catastrophes or otherwise endangered. The underlying philosophy is a strong belief in the necessity of integrating the restoration of cultural heritage alongside standard emergency relief aid in the re-establishment of a traumatized society. Conscious of the damage inflicted not only on monuments, but also on the cultural heritage profession, CHwB has sought to recreate the links between professionals that had been shattered by war, has initiated a number of formal training programs, and strived to involve students and young professionals in its activities. Action has constantly been carried out to the highest professional and ethical standards. The adoption of a bottom-up approach in cooperation with local partners, as well as the social context and outcome, are key considerations in all projects.

 

13 March 2006

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